Computer Science

Computer Science focuses on computer-based problem solving - particularly through algorithms and their implementation in programming languages. From system analysis to mobile apps, as a Computer Science major at Western, you'll learn and develop solutions to challenging problems while gaining skills that can be applied in many different fields.

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What Is the Computer Science about?

The CS program teaches the fundamentals of computation that are common to all branches of Computer Science. Our students learn the basics of programming languages, algorithms, software engineering, web applications, and system development. Throughout the curriculum we emphasize written and verbal skills, teamwork, and problem solving. Graduates of our program are able to use computing in a wide variety of situations. Students who choose to combine CS with other disciplines find that their computing skills make them better at whatever field they are interested in.

Beyond the Classroom

Our program provides many opportunities for students to customize their education. An internship or capstone project is required in the program, allowing students to get real-world experience as part of their education. Our internships have covered a wide range of companies, including Amazon, Cigna Health Systems, Konica/Minolta, Rocky Mountain Biological Lab, CRM Culture, and Innovative Technology Systems. In addition to the opportunity to do a capstone project, our program encourages students to participate in independent studies and directed research projects throughout their time in our program. We have a robotics group that has worked with a wide variety of robot platforms. Our students have developed the 3-D game software used in our computer camp, built websites for local organizations, analyzed campus web traffic, created course scheduling software, and helped build kinetic sculpture with the art department.

After Graduation

Computing is essential to all aspects of our society. Jobs in computing are high paying and plentiful. There are many different career paths in Computer Science, including software engineering, web development, video game programming, information technology, mobile device programming, networking, data analytics, web-based marketing, database management, and embedded system programming. Many jobs in CS can be done remotely, allowing graduates to work where they please. Western has a strong network of CS alumni who help our students with internships and job placement. The Association for Computing Machinery has much more career information.

Next Steps

If you're interested in Western's Computer Science Program, we invite you to take the next steps towards becoming a part of the Mountaineer family.

Courses

FOR REQUIRED COURSES AND DEGREE PLANS, VISIT THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY CATALOG.
This is a list of courses offered by Western State Colorado University. To ensure the courses you need are offered during the current semester, please visit the current university catalog at http://www.western.edu/catalog. To determined the courses required for your major, check the "Majors and Minors" tab for your area of study.

CS 120 - INFORMATION MGMT ANALYSIS (3 credits)

An in-depth study of the essentials of word-processing, spreadsheets, and information management, using modern computers and software. Substantial student competence in these areas is required for further study at the University. Applications are presented from various fields.

CS 140 - GAME PROGRAMMING FOR BEGINNERS (3 credits)

For the complete beginner, an introduction to computer programming through an exploration of programs like basic arcade games. Consideration given to language syntax, I/O, data, selection and repetition, large data structures and subroutines, as well as problem solving and debugging. This course employs industry-standard software like Python.

CS 150 - COMPUTERS IN SOCIETY (3 credits)

An introduction to the use of computing devices and their impact on society. Topics include: how computers work, the history of computing, philosophical issues in computing, the economics of software development, intellectual property issues, privacy and security, applications of computing, legal issues, the digital divide, the role of computing in government, and computer-assisted collaboration.

CS 160 - INTRODUCTION TO WEB DESIGN (3 credits)

An introduction to the basics of the XHTML web page specification language, cascading style sheets (CSS) and the Plone Content Management System (CMS). Students learn to create attractive, professional web pages and websites using XHTML and CSS, including embedded graphics and multimedia. The student also learns to use a CMS for easier webpage implementation, including add-ons such as forums and shopping carts. This course is designed for students without a background in programming and may not be used to satisfy the requirements of the Computer Science Major or Minor.

CS 190 - COMPUTER SCIENCE I (3 credits)

An introduction to software development. Students develop text, graphical user interface (GUI) and applet web graphical applications using object oriented techniques in Java. Emphasis is placed on good software engineering practices for problem analysis, program design, documentation, testing and debugging.

CS 235 - COMPUTER NETWORKS (3 credits)

An investigation of the transmission of data and information between computer systems. Topics include simple data communications, protocols, error control, local-area networks, wide-area networks such as the Internet packet-switching networks, and various networking models. Various data communication hardware and software are also examined. Prerequisites: CS 191 with a minimum grade of "C-"; MATH 140 or above excluding MATH 209 and MATH 210 or Accuplacer university-level mathematics score of 75 or above.

CS 303 - MACHINE LEARNING (3 credits)

A study of computer systems that learn from experience. Classroom exercises include the building of systems that learn and adapt using real-world applications. Topics covered include decision trees, concept learning, neural networks, reinforcement learning, linear and non-linear models, clustering, validation, and feature selection. Prerequisites: CS 190 and MATH 213.

CS 310 - VISUAL PROGRAMMING: PYTHON (3 credits)

A focus on common environment and design tools used in the development and implementation of graphic user interfaces. Emphasis is placed on the automation of tasks and the customization of systems by programming constructs. Applications are developed for both a local environment and a broad-based use of the Internet. The implementation language is C++ or Visual Basic. May be repeated with a different implementation language. Prerequisite: CS 191 with a minimum grade of C-.

CS 412 - SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (3 credits)

An introduction to the fundamental principles of software engineering. Formal soft- ware development techniques and high-level software tools are emphasized. Students are taught a programming method based on the recognition and description of useful abstractions. Topics include encapsulation and reuse, design patterns, object-based design, software testing and quality, formal methods for software design, and project management. Students are expected to complete a significant project that employs techniques from the topics studied. Prerequisite: CS 410 with a minimum grade of "C-."

Scholarships

Scholarships associated with academic programs usually have a specific scholarship application form that can easily be obtained by contacting that academic program's office or visiting that academic program's web page.
If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid office at 970.943.3085 or 800.876.5309.

Watson, Stephen Memorial Scholarship In Computer Science

Computer Information Science Scholarship Available to:

Students majoring in Computer Information Science, who have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at Western State Colorado University 3 of which can be applied towards their major.

The students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and plan on enrolling in at least 9 credits.

Computer Science Departmental Scholarship

Computer Information Science Scholarship Available to:

Students majoring in Computer Science, who have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at Western State Colorado University 3 of which can be applied towards their major. The students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and plan on enrolling in at least 9 credits.